Could 2024 See Apple Release A Foldable Device? Warming Up Rumors Of An iPad Fold and A Clamshell iPhone

Apple is unique among the big companies in the smartphone market in that it is the only company to have not yet unveiled a foldable smartphone. Five Galaxy Z Fold variants have already been released by Samsung; last year, Google entered the race with the Pixel Fold; while OnePlus made its debut with the OnePlus Open.

This raises the question, “What shape might its future foldable iPhone device take?” Is it going to be a smaller iPad that will eventually replace the iPad mini, or should we expect a folding clamshell iPhone? Let’s now explore the details we currently know about Apple’s much-awaited foldable gadget.

First off, a number of experts have made references to purported current events in Cupertino, including Ming-Chi Kuo and Mark Gurman. Speaking on Apple’s upcoming release of “foldable products” in 2022, Kuo conjectured that these would come in the shape of a “foldable iPad or a hybrid combining elements of iPad and iPhone.” In addition, the well-known insider source Mark Gurman said in 2021 that Apple’s first foldable gadget may arrive in the next two to three years.

A Foldable iPad Mini Could Arrive Before a Foldable iPhone

According to recent sources from South Korea, it seems that the much-anticipated foldable smartphone might potentially replace the iPad mini. Apple is reportedly in the early stages of creating a small, foldable iPad, which is anticipated to launch in 2026 or 2027, according to The Elec. To put it more specifically, this may be an iPad that has a screen that is between 7 and 8 inches in size. It might replace the 8.3-inch iPad Mini that is now on the market.

Notably, it has been stated that Apple is working with Samsung and LG to jointly build the foldable screen for this gadget.

iPhone clone?

Apple is reportedly working on producing two sizes of foldable iPhones, according to a report by The Information. According to the rumor, these iPhones are designed to fold horizontally, taking on a form factor like to that of a clamshell, much like the Moto Razr Plus or the Galaxy Z Flip. But it’s possible that neither this year nor in 2025, these prospective models will go into mass production.

Though Pricey, What Can We Expect From Apple in Terms of Foldables?

The price of foldable technology is one thing to think about. Apple is already well-known for its high-end prices, particularly with its “Pro” series, where the iPhone 15 Pro begins at $999, or Rs 1,34,900, in India. It seems sense to anticipate a high price tag if Apple decides to release a foldable iPhone. Since it would be a first-generation product, Apple could need some time to decide on a sensible and feasible price plan.

Prior sources have suggested that the starting price would be about $1,499,. But given that rival devices like the Pixel Fold and Galaxy Z Fold 5, which sell for $1,799, are priced similarly, it will be interesting to see what price Apple ultimately sets for it.